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Alex Menk

Alex Menk

Analyst

Meati

Technologies

My Portfolio Highlights

My New Track

Python Developer

My New Course

Introduction to Python

Insights evangelist, spreading the gospel of data-driven decision-making.

My Work

Take a look at my latest work.

course

Introduction to Python

course

Intermediate Python

course

Data Manipulation with pandas

DataCamp Course Completion

Take a look at all the courses I’ve completed on DataCamp.

My Work Experience

Where I've interned and worked during my career.

Meati | Jan 2023 - Present

Research And Development Scientist

Worked on developing neural networks for predictive fermentation product quality. Regularly executed microscopy analysis for fermentation experiments. Developed novel SOPs for morphology analysis. Consistently fixed errors in data capture and training. Calculated statistical correlations between microbiology, fermentation, and texture analysis. Streamlined data analysis and statistical screening of potential correlations. Developed methods for morphology engineering of a filamentous fungus. Was essential in developing multiple A.I. workflows that analyze filamentous fungus morphology at scale. Developed methods for scale down model analysis of final product. Worked with the food team to identify 3 million cost savings and innovative products. Increased skills in accurate and precise benchtop fermentation with ICP, HPLC, and off gas data analysis. Key Contributions: • Increased data acquisition efficiency with machine learning to save over $1 Million/year compared to previous operational costs. • Developed novel training SOPs to capture impeccable data and trained over 40 scientists/operators for regular execution of different SOPs. • Automated data analysis and quantitative reporting with python. • Developed 26 deep learning models for morphology A.I. analysis. Implemented 3 models at scale. • Developed invaluable correlations for process optimization and commissioning of a 100,000sq ft fermentation facility.
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Meati | Jul 2022 - Jan 2023

Associate R&D Analyst

N/A

Meati | Jan 2022 - Jul 2022

Associate Quality Engineer

Key Contributions: • Implemented Aqua snaps for verification of sterile media prior to inoculation. • Worked on quality metrics that indicate health/stress of the organism. • Implemented microbial monitoring methods for checks in loss of sterility. • Was integral in proving where loss in sterility was coming from in the seed train. • Developed new sampling SOPs and plating/screening methods

Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha | Nov 2020 - Jan 2022

QC Associate Analyst

Executed chemical assays for monitoring and managing active fermentations daily. Consistently calibrated lab equipment with accurately prepared buffers/ standards. Performed routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of lab equipment. Devised new SOPs to facilitate low ABV fermentations. Solved problematic fermentations using bio-protectant organisms, nutrients, physical manipulation, and/or salts. Experimented with beneficial organisms to help with sensory problems and turnaround time. Regularly sampled the facility with pathogen swabs and ATP swabs to ensure cleanliness. Efficiently communicated with brew/production team on a daily basis to ensure legal, consistent, and delicious finished product was sent out the door. Key Contributions: • Helped successfully implement a “pure culture” recipe for increase scalability. • Developed new SOP to decrease fermentation TAT by at least 50%. • Helped solve mold and sensory problems using biochemical, microbial and/or physical applications. • Brought enthusiasm for quantifying specific molecules and probiotics of interest that could be marketable. • Experimented with molecules derived from plants and fungus to prolong shelf life. • Executed experiments with notable bacteria and yeast for beneficial sensory or biochemical advantages.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards | Aug 2018 - Nov 2018

Lab Technician & Cellar Hand

Carried out consistent acid titrations for precise acid additions in wine. Measured and provided accurate Brix, pH, and TA. Oversaw fermentation process by monitoring temperature, sugar content, and alcohol percentage. Analyzed crop ripeness, yield, and vigor by performing randomized sampling in the field. Worked 70hrs / week during peak harvest season and performed tasks, such as operating electric / propane forklifts, pneumatic pumps, punch downs, pump overs, dig outs, sampling, chemical assays, inoculations, and sterilization with CIP acid/base and ozone washes. Key Contributions: • Explored the use of drone (DJI Mavic pro) assessment for more efficient crop yield estimates and disease detection. • Prepared data files and presentations with drone videos for crop disease assessments. • Processed more than 300 tons of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes for wine production. • Reduced average acid titration and total acidity assay time by 80% through process automation.

Sunrise Genetics Inc. | Dec 2016 - Aug 2018

Laboratory Technician

Redesigned and performed DNA extraction for high throughput analysis. Assisted with designing experiments for manipulation of the genome to enhance target traits. Evaluated sections of unannotated DNA for gene exploration and discovery using bioinformatics. Assessed gene linkage to develop gene specific DNA markers used for marker assisted breeding. Developed and refined genetic markers for use in commercial applications analyzing terpene synthases, cannabinoid synthases, flowering time, and sex tests. Used python and Unix for genetic data scrubbing and organization. Key Contributions: • Enhanced understanding of plant breeding pipelines. • Facilitated with development of a rapid genotyping technique to barcode specific strains using SSR/VNTR, AFLP, RAPD, SNP, SCAR. • Prepared and submitted over 500 samples for Illumina NGS sequencing. • Carried out and maintained 100’s of polymerase chain reactions for weekly genetic assays.

Mitton Lab | Sep 2016 - Feb 2017

Assistant Lab Technician

Assisted with creation and processing of DNA markers to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in the plant species, including Sedum, Populus tremuloides, and Populus deltoids. Attempted to barcode the species with RbcL SSR and SNP markers for samples at different altitudes. Managed and cleaned DNA products for sequencing to obtain raw genetic code. Gained skills for analyzing genetic code, observing amino acid changes, and aligning reads with bioinformatics. Key Contribution: • Sequenced and organized 50 samples of Sedum, Aspen and Cottonwood. • Analyzed RbcL and mtDNA sequence from multiple species across different elevation • Learned barcoding techniques for identifying significant mutations and to assist in rapid genotyping

My Education

Take a look at my formal education

Python, Excel, HTML, SQL in DatacampDataCamp | 2022
Conservation Biology, Biodiversity and ConservationInstituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas | 2017
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology , Biology/Biological SciencesUniversity of Colorado Boulder | 2016

About Me

Alex Menk

R&D Scientist - Microbiologist

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